A group of St. Thomas Catholic School students along with their family and friends bundled up for the crisp air Saturday morning to take part in the 2011 St. Thomas School Marathon, which is part of the Minnesota Marathon for Nonpublic Education, Inc.
“It was one of the best turnouts we’ve ever had,” said principal Mike Gerard of Saturday’s attendance.
According to the marathon’s website, the mission of the Minnesota Marathon for Nonpublic Education is to raise public awareness of nonpublic education by promoting fund raising initiatives.
The marathon is a fun and effective way to raise funds for schools, the website noted.
Website information continued that since 1974, marathon events have given students, school families, faculty members and friends an opportunity to show their school pride while generating important financial support for school programs. With fun events and service projects, the marathon has served communities while supporting nonpublic education. In 1975, the State Council of the Knights of Columbus — a Catholic men’s group — joined the effort. Since then, the Knights have provided financial support for marathon events across the state.
“This is one of our biggest fund raisers,” Gerard said of the marathon his school named “Walk & Roll.”
The group of 38 students and others traveled a little more than six miles from the St. Thomas School parking lot to Ranier and back.
Prior to the event, students gathered pledges from friends, family, and community members, for how far they would bike, rollerblade, or walk.
Gerard said the event brought in about $14,000 and all proceeds are given to St. Thomas School.
“Our goal was $10,000, so we’ve exceeded that by quite a bit,” he said.
Although attendance from students is not required, Gerard said it is strongly encouraged and he was grateful to see that all but six students were present Saturday.
He added how much he appreciated the support given to the school.
“Everybody was safe, and we had a great time,” Gerard concluded.
